While the Government has made it known that TraceTogether data may be tapped under the Criminal Procedure Code for investigations into serious offences, the operational reason for doing so has not been offered. Mr Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman, Research Fellow at RSIS said a balanced approach, with states assessing how they use surveillance tools even as they battle the virus and its socioeconomic impact, both of which are likely to linger for years.  “Public health unpreparedness has already resulted in severe harm to national interests. Keeping people safe and economies functioning is fundamental for a state’s political legitimacy,” he said,  adding that states must also acknowledge concerns over privacy and civil liberties will continue to characterise the “post-pandemic zeitgeist”.